Hannig to be tapped for IDOT post Saturday

Longtime state Rep. Gary Hannig, D-Litchfield, will be named Saturday to lead the Illinois Department of Transportation by Gov. Pat Quinn, Quinn's office confirmed late Friday.

Doug Finke

Longtime state Rep. Gary Hannig, D-Litchfield, will be named Saturday to lead the Illinois Department of Transportation by Gov. Pat Quinn, Quinn's office confirmed late Friday.

Hannig could not be reached for comment about the announcement.

"I am honored Governor Quinn has nominated me to lead the Department of Transportation," Hannig said in a statement announcing the appointment. "I look forward to working with him in behalf of the people of Illinois.

Quinn said in the statement that Hannig has the "experience, expertise and integrity to lead this important department."

Sen. Deanna Demuzio, D-Carlinville, told The State Journal-Register earlier Friday that Hannig told her Thursday that the appointment is imminent.

"He'll bring his expertise from the House," Demuzio said. "I'm very excited. He's from downstate."

Hannig, 56, has been in the Illinois House since 1979. He is currently a deputy majority leader to House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, and has been the leading budget expert for House Democrats for years.

"I think it's a great appointment. He knows the budget and to pick a downstater sends all of the right signals," said Rep. Jim Watson, R-Jacksonville, whose district is next to Hannig's. "I think it's a great pick for the governor and it's a big loss for the speaker."